Selvaraju Vellingiri, a 55-year-old man, was fatally shot on August 27, 2020, in Cary, North Carolina. His body was discovered near a community pool in the 100 block of Connemara Drive. The incident was reported as the first homicide in Cary for the year. Authorities confirmed that Vellingiri was not targeted due to his ethnicity, and the crime appeared to be random.
Following an investigation, law enforcement arrested Nicholas Dalton Nanes, a 29-year-old man from Raleigh, in connection with the murder of Selvaraju Vellingiri. Nanes was also charged with the murder of Bobby Earl Lucas, a 56-year-old man who was shot and killed on August 7, 2020, in North Raleigh. Authorities described Nanes as having a lengthy criminal history, with over 20 prior arrests since 2009. His mother revealed that he had a history of mental illness and had struggled to receive adequate help.
Witnesses reported hearing five gunshots in rapid succession near the pool area before seeing a man flee toward the tennis courts. The investigation was a collaborative effort between Cary and Raleigh police departments, and officials expressed relief that Nanes was in custody. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman praised the police work that connected the two cases and led to the arrest.
Friends and community members mourned the loss of Selvaraju Vellingiri, describing him as a bright and well-read individual who was deeply devoted to his family. He was known for taking regular walks, both alone during the week and with a group on weekends. His sudden and tragic death left loved ones in shock, struggling to process the loss. A candlelight vigil was held in his honor at Bond Park Sertoma Amphitheatre, where mourners gathered to pay their respects.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remained active, but they did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public. The arrest of Nanes provided some resolution for the grieving families and the Cary community, though the motive behind the killings remained unclear.
